The Karnataka government has officially granted permission for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to host matches during the upcoming IPL 2026 season, bringing relief to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and cricket fans across the state.
The decision comes months after the stadium was declared unsafe following a tragic stampede incident in June 2025 during RCB’s IPL title celebration, which resulted in 11 deaths.
Since then, all major cricket activities at the venue have been suspended, and high-profile tournaments such as the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup have been shifted to alternative venues.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that the Cabinet has now approved the hosting of IPL matches at the iconic stadium, keeping public safety as the top priority.
He stated that recommendations from the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Report will be strictly implemented, including enhanced ticketing norms, crowd regulation policies, and improved stadium access control.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which manages the stadium, presented a detailed compliance roadmap before the authorities.
The proposal included advanced safety upgrades such as AI-enabled surveillance cameras, better crowd flow management, upgraded CCTV systems, strengthened police deployment plans, fire safety protocols, and improved emergency medical arrangements.
Earlier, RCB had explored alternative venues due to uncertainty surrounding the stadium’s clearance.
Reports suggested that the franchise even considered requesting the Mumbai Indians to use the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as a backup option.
However, with the government’s green light, Chinnaswamy is now back in contention as RCB’s official home ground for IPL 2026.
As defending champions, RCB also hold the right to host the IPL 2026 final, making the stadium’s clearance even more significant. The final decision now rests with the franchise on whether they will return to their traditional home venue.
While Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy may not be among the largest cricket stadiums in the world, it remains one of the most electrifying venues in Indian cricket history.
With enhanced safety measures in place, the focus now shifts to a secure and successful IPL 2026 season in Bengaluru, strengthening its place among India’s premier cricket venues and largest cricket stadiums.
